Research Article
Pain Quality and Tissue Signatures: Histopathological Insights into Vulvodynia and Vulvar Dermatoses
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
50-64
Received:
21 February 2026
Accepted:
9 March 2026
Published:
26 March 2026
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine whether qualitative pain characteristics in chronic vulvar discomfort correspond to diagnosis-specific epidermal and dermal histopathological patterns in vulvodynia and vulvar dermatoses. METHODS: This prospective observational sub-analysis of the DATRIV study included 328 women equally stratified into four groups: normal vulva, impaired asymptomatic vulvar skin, vulvodynia, and vulvar dermatoses (n = 82 per group). Pain quality was assessed using structured clinical interviews and categorized as sharp (fast) or dull (slow) descriptors. Vulvar biopsies underwent blinded histopathological evaluation of epidermal architecture and dermal features, including inflammatory infiltrates, fibrosis, vascularity, adnexal structures, nerve fibers, and mast cells. Associations between pain quality, histopathological findings, and symptom duration were analyzed using proportion tests, pairwise comparisons, and multivariate models. RESULTS: Epidermal architecture was largely preserved in normal vulva, impaired asymptomatic skin, and vulvodynia, whereas epidermal thinning, atrophy, and keratinization disorders were predominantly confined to vulvar dermatoses (p < 0.001). Vulvar dermatoses demonstrated a stable inflammatory–fibrotic dermal phenotype characterized by collagen accumulation and hyalinization. In contrast, vulvodynia exhibited a neurovascular–adnexal dermal profile marked by increased nerve fibers, vascular proliferation, sebaceous gland prominence, and increased mast cell density (p < 0.001). Sharp pain descriptors were strongly associated with vulvodynia and, within this group, were significantly more prevalent in cases with subtle epidermal abnormalities. Dull descriptors predominated in vulvar dermatoses and corresponded to structural remodeling. In vulvodynia, longer symptom duration was associated with increased dermal inflammation and vascularity, whereas dermal characteristics in vulvar dermatoses remained stable over time. CONCLUSION: Chronic vulvar discomfort demonstrates diagnosis-specific sensory–histopathological coupling. Vulvodynia is characterized by sharp, fast pain qualities linked to a neurocutaneous dermal phenotype, whereas vulvar dermatoses are dominated by dull, slow, inflammation-driven nociception associated with fibrotic remodeling. Integrating structured pain quality assessment with histopathological evaluation enhances diagnostic differentiation and supports mechanism-oriented stratification and individualized management.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine whether qualitative pain characteristics in chronic vulvar discomfort correspond to diagnosis-specific epidermal and dermal histopathological patterns in vulvodynia and vulvar dermatoses. METHODS: This prospective observational sub-analysis of the DATRIV study included 328 women equally stratified into four groups: normal vu...
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Research Article
Blood Transfusion Practices in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of the Ignace Deen University Hospital Center in Conakry in 2025
Soumah Aboubacar Fode Momo*
,
Sow Alhassane II,
Balde Mamadou Houdy,
Sy Telly
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
65-70
Received:
18 April 2026
Accepted:
28 April 2026
Published:
11 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jgo.20261402.12
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Abstract: Context: The acquisition of blood products in Guinean hospitals is a problem in resolving gynecological and obstetric emergencies. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood transfusion practices in the Gynecology and Obstetrics department of the Ignace Deen University Hospital in Conakry in 2025. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted over a 6-month period, from July 1st to December 31st, 2025, in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of the Ignace Deen University Hospital Center in Conakry. The variables studied were: epidemiology, transfusion indications, labile blood products, transfusion incidents, and their severity, classified as grades 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. SPSS 21.0 software was used for the analysis, and the data were presented as proportions, means, and standard deviations. Results: The transfusion rate of labile blood products was 5.89%, affecting all age groups with a mean age of 26 ± 6.24 years. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) were the most frequently administered transfusion (77.90% of cases, 141/181), followed by combined PRBCs and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (19.8%, 36/181). We reported 3 maternal deaths (1.65%), corresponding to a grade 4 incident. Conclusion: Blood transfusion often remains essential in a level III health facility; it allows for the resolution of serious obstetric complications related to hemorrhage.
Abstract: Context: The acquisition of blood products in Guinean hospitals is a problem in resolving gynecological and obstetric emergencies. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood transfusion practices in the Gynecology and Obstetrics department of the Ignace Deen University Hospital in Conakry in 2025. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive, cros...
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